The Backgammon Board Game Has Stood The Test Of Time

With all the amazing social and technological changes over the last five thousands years of human history, the way the backgammon board game has stood the test of time is quite amazing. Researchers have discovered that the origins of the familiar backgammon setup the board divided into its twenty-four alternately colored, narrow triangular divisions, the fifteen counters per player, the dice and the dice shaker, all have a story to tell going back to the earliest recorded times. The exact inventor of the game of backgammon has been lost in the mists of time. All the evidence points to him or her having lived in the area now absorbed by the modern states of Iraq and Iran but no personal details have survived.

So, it must be left to the imagination to picture the first backgammon set up in the market place of a mud brick village after the hard days labor in the fields has come to a close and the workers seek to relax. We may wonder who was the first one to carve out the divisions of the backgammon board, to shake the dice and probably place the smooth stones that might have served for counters in their positions? Although it is unlikely the identity of the games inventor is ever going to be revealed in some archaeological dig, millions of people from all around the world can feel a sense of gratitude to this unknown figure for creating one of their favorite games.

The Romans soon caught on to the potential of the backgammon for gambling and enthusiasm for the game reached the throne of Caesar himself. Certainly, we can say it contributed to Roman civilization far more than the more bloodthirsty pastimes the Romans beloved. Wherever the Roman Empire reached, its soldiers and merchants brought the game of backgammon. The game became very popular in Europe and from here it was taken to the Americas. By the eighteenth century the backgammon instructions were brought to the printing house by an English player and game continued to go from strength to strength. The development of mass manufacturing and the retail trade made cheap, mass-produced backgammon sets readily available and through presents to children, many more new players were introduced to the game.

The last fifteen years or so have witnessed a dramatic explosion in interest in backgammon. For the most part this has been the consequence of the successful development of backgammon software. Many Internet sites offer a backgammon download that brings a brilliant 3-D virtual version of backgammon to the computer screen. By providing clear instructions on how to play backgammon, and offering free backgammon online, the gaming site developers have attracted a whole new audience. The people playing backgammon online range from the experienced players who are well versed in backgammon strategy and convinced they can win significant cash with their playing and gambling skills, to the novice players who enjoy the chance to build up their skills by playing against a sophisticated backgammon computer. When grouped together they represent a major advancement of an ancient game into an ultra-modern setting

Expert backgammon writer Gene Marshall is commissioned by several recognized online backgammon magazines. The author writes commentaries about backgammon setup and advanced backgammon strategy. More info and articles by Gene Marshall on the topic of backgammon are obtainable on line.

By Gene Marshall

Clear Bra Straps Get The Drop On These Cool Fashion Accessories

Every person is familiar especially with those fashion staples that are vital parts of our wardrobes. Maybe its that pretty strappy pair of shoes that are dressy enough for casual day in the office but yet snazzy enough for a night out in the town. Or maybe the perfect pair of jeans or the little black dress that never goes out of style, worn along with the jacket or sweater that goes perfectly over the little black dress to make it professional by day.

What?s just as important in every woman?s closet of late are clear bra straps. Sure we?ve all been there. Perhaps you were out shopping all day, and on a whim you grab that perfect strapless or backless dress or shirt and take it home, only to discover that you don?t have a bra in your wardrobe that doesn?t peep out of the outfit in all the wrong places. An easy solution to this predicament is clear bra straps.

For sure, there are strapless bras available. However clear bra straps provide a much better solution in many cases. A lot of women have the right bra that not only offers just the right amount of support and lift but at the same time does it without creating unwanted lines and ridges that show through clothing material. Now the problem is, the bra isn?t strapless, and sure no one wants to attend a formal dinner or go out on a night of wild dancing in a tiny backless outfit or that form-fitting tank top with her bra straps as the most conspicuous thing about her outfit. Evidently clear bra straps are the perfect solution when you don?t want straps to show at all. You can not only sport them with most convertible bras but also in some cases can even be used with strapless bras to help keep them from shifting and sliding during the course of a day.

For those shopping for bras, a good idea would be to select those that will allow you to swap over the existing straps. This way, you can simply replace them with clear bra straps especially when the outfits you want to wear calls for bare skin.

Clearly its utility is obvious, in spite of the fact that a number of women have turned them into a fashion statement in and of themselves. On a creative note, there can be some that are added with rhinestones, sequins, or beads to their clear bra straps and worn them as an accessory. Wearing clear bra straps in this fashion can add an element of flair and unique style to your outfit.

If you like, you can replace the existing straps with different straps in ease for bras with interchangeable straps. Just in case if your favorite bra is not interchangeable, don?t worry. Many women with a bit of a sewing skill have often successfully replaced the straps on a favorite with clear bra straps. Yes, this could mean that the change is either permanent or that you?ll have to do more sewing if you wish to change back to the original straps.

On the whole, straps that are see-through provide both freedom and flexibility in planning your wardrobe. For some as a mechanism to hide all evidence of a bra and for others, as a decorated fashion statement in and of themselves!

Tracie M. Loewe provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for shopping as well as useful buying guides and other related information.

Wolfberry: The World's Most Nutritious Food?

For a berry with such an intimidating name, the wolfberry certainly has a lot going for it. Wolfberry comes from the Mandarin name Gou qi zi (?goo-chee-zee?), a red berry from the Solanaceae nightshade family that includes tomato, eggplant, chili pepper, and potato.

In popular English, gou qi zi (literally ?wolf?+ ?energy?+ ?berry?) has become ?goji.? For at least 2000 years, the wolfberry has grown wild in China and been used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. Eighteenth century Chinese farmers nicknamed gou qi zi ?wolfberry? when they saw wolves feasting among the berry-laden vines during late summer at prime harvest time. Smart mammals!

The Chinese revere the wolfberry as a national treasure regarded as among the most nutrient-dense of the nation?s plants. This premise has stimulated scientific investigation about its potential health benefits and systematic cultivation, commercialization, and now increasing export to first-world countries mainly in Europe and the US.

A significant source of macronutrients

The wolfberry contains significant amounts of our body?s daily macronutrient needs, including carbohydrates, proteins, fat and dietary fiber. The content of a wolfberry consists of 68% carbohydrates, 12% proteins, and 10% each of fiber and fat, giving a total caloric value of 370 per 100-gram serving.

Soybean, another ancient Chinese plant often touted as one of the world?s most complete foods, is comparable across macronutrients. Although wolfberries and soybeans are similar in macronutrient content, wolfberries provide a significantly higher source of calories as energy from carbohydrates (soybeans = 173 calories). Blueberries, by contrast, do not have as much macronutrient or caloric value.

The wolfberry seeds are equally beneficial, and contain polyunsaturated fats like linoleic (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acids.

The wolfberry?s big story on micronutrients

Wolfberry?s diverse and high concentration of micronutrients has earned it accolades as an exceptional health food. At least 11 essential minerals, 22 trace minerals, 7 vitamins and 18 amino acids define its extraordinary micronutrient richness, with examples below:

1.Calcium: The primary constituent of teeth and bones, calcium also has a diverse role in soft tissues where it is involved in cardiac, neuromuscular, enzymatic, hormonal, and transport mechanisms across cell membranes. Wolfberries and soybeans contain 112 mg and 102 mg of calcium per 100 grams serving, respectively, providing about 8-10% of our required daily intake.

2.Potassium: An essential electrolyte and enzyme cofactor, dietary potassium can lower high blood pressure. By giving us about 24% our daily needs, (1132 mg/100 grams), wolfberries are an excellent source of potassium, providing more than twice the amount than soybeans.

3.Iron: An oxygen carrier in hemoglobin, iron also is a cofactor for enzymes involved in numerous metabolic reactions. When intake is deficient, low iron levels cause iron deficiency anemia, a condition that affects millions of children worldwide. Wolfberry?s exceptional iron content is twice that provided by soybeans, often regarded as the best plant source of iron.

4.Zinc: Essential for making proteins, DNA and the functions of more than 100 enzymes, zinc is involved in critical cell activities such as membrane transport, repair and growth, especially in infants. The zinc found in wolfberries (2 mg/100 grams) has a high content (double the amount of soybeans), that meet 20% of our daily requirements.

5.Selenium: Sometimes called the ?antioxidant mineral?, selenium is often included in supplements. Selenium has unusually high concentration in wolfberries (50 micrograms/100 grams), almost enough for our daily dietary intake, and much more than blueberries and soybeans, which contain 8 micrograms or less per 100 grams.

6.Riboflavin (vitamin B2): An essential vitamin supporting energy metabolism, riboflavin is needed for synthesizing other vitamins and enzymes. A daily wolfberry serving (1.3 micrograms) provides the complete daily requirement for our bodies, whereas soybeans and blueberries contain only trace levels of this important mineral.

7.Vitamin C: A universal antioxidant vitamin protecting other antioxidant molecules from free radical damage, the vitamin C content in wolfberries (20 mg/100 grams) is comparable to an equal weighting of fresh oranges, blueberries or soybeans. Phytochemicals Wolfberries contain dozens of phytochemicals whose health-enhancing properties are under scientific study. Three phytochemicals of particular interest include:

Beta-carotene: A carotenoid pigment in orange-red foods like wolfberries, pumpkins, carrots and salmon, beta-carotene is important for synthesis of vitamin A, a fat-soluble nutrient and antioxidant essential for normal growth, vision, cell structure, bones and teeth and healthy skin. Wolfberry?s beta-carotene content per unit weight (7 mg/100 grams) is among the highest for edible plants.

Zeaxanthin: Wolfberries are an extraordinary source for this carotenoid that plays an important role as a retinal pigment filter and antioxidant. Wolfberries contain 162 mg/100 grams.

Polysaccharides: Long-chain sugar molecules characteristic of many herbal medicines like mushrooms and roots, polysaccharides are a signature constituent of wolfberries, making up 31% of pulp weight in premium quality wolfberries. Polysaccharides are a primary source of fermentable fiber in our body?s intestinal system. During colonic metabolism, fermentable or ?soluble fibers? yield short-chain fatty acids which are known to:

1.Improve the health of the colon epithelial lining
2.Enhance mineral uptake
3.Stabilize blood glucose levels
4.Lower pH and reduce colon cancer risk
5.Stimulate immune functions

Polysaccharides are also known to help in antioxidant activity and defending against threatening oxidants.

Functional Food and Beverage Applications

Wolfberries, which are prized for their color and nut-like taste, are cultivated for a variety of food and beverage applications within China. In addition, an increasingly amount is also used for export as dried berries, juice and powders of pulp. Not surprising, a major effort is underway in Ningxia, China to process wolfberries for ?functional? wine.

Despite no ?hard? evidence from clinical research, the myths of wolfberry?s traditional health benefits endure, including positive effects related to:

?Longevity
?Aphrodisia
?Analgesia
?Antiviral conditions
?Immune-stimulating properties
?Muscular strength
?Energy
?Vision health

In laboratory and preliminary human research to date, wolfberries have shown potential benefits against:

?Cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases
?Some forms of cancer
?Diabetes
?Premature aging
?Memory deficits
?Vision degeneration
?Lung disorders
?Other diseases of oxidative stress

Summary

Although not adequately demonstrated yet in published research, a synergy of antioxidant carotenoids (primarily beta-carotene and zeaxanthin) with polysaccharides suggest that wolfberries are an exceptionally rich antioxidant food source.

Micronutrient density, combined with key health phytochemicals like carotenoids and polysaccharides, give wolfberries their remarkable nutritional qualities. All things considered, it?s no wonder this berry is vying for honors as the most nutritious plant food on Earth.

Expand your health horizons, try wolfberries!

Reading

Wolfberry data from independent contract laboratories, courtesy of Rich Nature Nutraceutical Labs, Seattle; blueberries and soybeans, World?s Healthiest Foods, http://www.whfoods.com

Gross PM, Zhang X, Zhang R. Wolfberry: Nature?s Bounty of Nutrition and Health, Booksurge Publishing, North Charleston, 2006, ISBN 1-4196-2048-7

Copyright 2006 Berry Health Inc.

Dr. Paul Gross is a scientist and expert on cardiovascular and brain physiology. A published researcher, Gross recently completed a book on the Chinese wolfberry and has begun another on antioxidant berries. Gross is founder of Berry Health Inc, a developer of nutritional, berry-based supplements. For more information, visit http://www.berrywiseonline.com

An Angel Amidst the Hats

IT was with a heavy heart that I left my favorite lingerer store, Victory?s Secret. It slowly sunk in that I would never again be able to wear their lovely bras. I could not have foreseen on that gloomy day that approximately one year later I would submit a proposal suggesting some innovative ways, or at least I thought so, to create fun, colorful, sexy bras designed especially for older women minus one breast. They declined the offer; nevertheless it was fun dreaming about those pretty bras in my mind?s eye. Back to that gloomy day. As I downcastedly walked toward Macy?s department store to have a look at their hats, I pondered my apparent lack of emotions since my cancer diagnoses as not one tear had yet to fall. Not when I first received the cancer diagnoses, nor during or after the lumpectomy nor the more serious second diagnoses.

Additional cancer was found during the lumpectomy and a mastectomy was highly recommended. First however, there would be more tests. For example, a nuclear bone scan plus a devise called a portacath would be surgericly inserted under the skin in my chest to accommodate the chemotherapy infusion treatments thereby protecting the small unreliable veins in my arms. These procedures would be followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. So on this particular day, while trying on hats, endeavoring to distract myself from my imagined future of being relegated to the ugly bra syndrome, a brief but delightful encounter with a perfect stranger occurred.

As I was halfheartedly trying on about the tenth hat, I heard a very soft voice say ?why you look beautiful in that hat?. To my astonishment I found myself blubbering that in a few more weeks I would be totally bald resulting from chemotherapy treatments. Without a moments hesitation she stepped close to me and pulled me into her arms. I broke down and sobbed tears that evidently were waiting for just the right moment and just the right arms. Looking back on the experience, I am quite sure that she was a strategically planted angel.

Copyright?2006 Dawn D. Novotny LMSW, E-mail july4@tenforward.com

Dawn DeLisa Novotny LMSW, MTS, CDP, CP is a clinician and teacher in private practice in Washingtion State since 1987. She was an Adjunct professor at Settle University and past instructor at her local community college. She specializes in workshops and retreats and has presented at several professional workshops. Her work focuses on systems theory both the external (family, cultural, roles) as well as the internal (parts, ego states or internal conflicts). As a clinical practicioner, Dawn utilizes a variety of action methods drawing from her advanced training in psychodrama, sociometry, group therapy and The Internal Family Systems model. She holds Masters degrees in Clinical Social Work and Theology and is State certified in addictions. Additionally, being a cancer surviver/thriver adds yet another positive dimention to her life experience.

Athletes Foot Sneakers It Is

There are a million of sports fans around the world. Sports rank almost number one among interests and hobbies of most people. There is a sport for every human being in this planet. If you do not have one, it is only because you did not go around looking for that one sport for you or worse you never tried any sport at all.

Every clique and every country has a favorite sport they love and extensively promote. Europe will never be the same without football. The United States of America can never have enough of the National Basketball Association and Superbowl. Sports channels like ESPN and Star Sports thrive on healthy ratings and steady support from advertisers.

It follows then sports personalities are just as well loved around the world. Michael Jordan has Nike. Kobe Bryant was once poster boy fro Adidas. Danica Patrick inspired a lot of women to get into auto racing.

David Beckham was style icon for both football fanatics and those who just think he carries of all types of clothing really well. These athletes can attest ho dressing up right can make or break a race or a game. They have to pay attention to details down to the shoes they are wearing.

Choosing the right pair of shoes is vital in almost all sports. One sports shoes chain that increasingly gaining popularity is Athlete?s Foot. The store name doubling as brand name is very smart. One might think that it is a bad choice considering the bad picture that comes to mind when Athlete?s Foot is mentioned but upon closer look you will realize that and athlete?s foot and footwear can make a lot of difference in the athlete?s over all performance. This is why Athlete?s Foot is a very marketable brand name because it speaks for itself.

So for athletes and would be athletes, it is safe to go into one outlet and go over the various brands and designs that these brands have to offer. For sure they have all sorts but one thing that people, both athletes and non-athletes, should have is a pair of sneakers. A pair of sneakers is basic footwear that is ever comfortable and dependable for everyday wear. It is then acceptable to splurge on an expensive but quality wise worth it sneakers. A person should have at least one pair or better yet two so one can alternate.

Low Jeremy maintains http://athletes-foot.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

The Trick To Life

What forces that first step, when you first go travelling or make that first big decision at life?s major crossroads?

For me it was when I'd left school and worked for about a year and a half. I was going to travel, but began to drift and get into a comfort zone. Then the guy who owned the business came in and said, 'We have to start talking about your pension scheme Rob, for when you retire.

The Earth tilted.

At lunch I went into town and bought a tent, sleeping bag, backpack and a train ticket to Paris for that night, then went back to work and handed in an instant notice.

The next day I was outside Paris with my thumb in the air, with a bottle of red win, lump of cheese, a French loaf, an apple and a bar of chocolate in my bag. I walked passed over a hundred people hitching and got to the back of the line, turned and the first car that passed, stopped and picked me up.

That whole decision, choice process, finally led me to Australia seven years later. Providence stepped in and led the way.

The evening before I caught the train, I nearly didn't. It was so hard to leave the house, my family, my comfort zone, but that first step was magic, because the second was easier, and after that it was just adventure.

Nothing compares to that sense of total freedom. For some it drives them insane, but for me the not knowing what?s going to happen or where I?m going to be, or even where I am, from one moment to the next is the most exhilarating feeling I have found.

Twenty-one years later I am still in Australia, but see it as still part of the trip. I have two wonderful teenage children, a marriage that sadly didn?t work but one that most definitely is working and a long list of successes and interesting learning curves we wont call failures. Businesses, jobs, adventures, life, and all because I took that first step out of the house.

People like to plan their future, but the planning can stop them from getting to where they really want to be. With a plan there is often little room for the unexpected, and life is all about the unexpected.

Sitting back and waiting for things to happen the way you want them is a recipe for dying sad and full of regrets. There is no second-guessing the Universe. We have no idea what?s going to happen once we make the step to where we want to be, because Providence will step in as well and lead us to places we never dreamed.

And what may seem the worst possible luck, often leads to the best possible outcome.

I fell down a donkey track on a Greek Island and fractured my ankle. It was agony, and the injury swelled up so I couldn?t put any weight on it. 27 years later it?s still swollen.

I?d been running to meet a boat, as in return for free accommodation, food and copious amounts of wine the old lady of the house asked me to meet all the ferries and bring paying customers back to her ?Rooms For Let? in the village.

This was a great deal, but I was late and ran instead of walked down a donkey path. For an hour I lay there, missing all the big ferries carrying thousands of people, before finally hobbling to the port and watching a tiny, twenty person ferry pull alongside the jetty.

A girl walked off, and I asked her if she wanted a room. She said yes, and as a result I travelled to Australia four and a half years later to visit this girl for a holiday, and ended up staying. We didn?t stay together, but we still see each other sometimes, and our children have been in the same class together for most of their schooling. If I hadn?t fallen over, this simply wouldn?t have happened. I would have gone in another direction.

Life is full of these twists and turns. Full of ?what if? moments that if we thought about them, would send us crazy and paralyse us into not moving ? in case we got it wrong.

But there is no ?wrong?. There is what works and what doesn?t work sure, but right and wrong, these are concepts we?ve made up and we?re the only species to do it.

We?re the only species that do a lot of things that maybe it shouldn?t. Our planet is in crisis because of our actions, but this is just an example of what works and what doesn?t, if only we?d learn!

The secret is so simple. We are in charge of our lives in that we get to choose whether to live a life of doing, or watching other people do. Living a life of fear, of worrying about what others will think or believing a lifelong belief we made up about not being good at or able to do what we want, is a choice we make. It isn?t forced upon us.

I have been privileged recently to work with a small group of severely disabled children and their families. I have been humbled, touched, moved and inspired by who these people are and I swear, I will never take ANYTHING I do for granted again.

For all our complaining about what is and isn?t right about our lives and the world, these children cannot do anything for themselves, yet they smile, they laugh in spite of the fact their brains are functioning just like ours and they can think, reason, dream and imagine just like us, but they cannot ?do?. Many cannot communicate in any way.

If you?re dreaming about doing something, take the first step and try not to have pre-conceived ideas of what it will all look like. It?s all about the first step, and having the courage to make it AND accept; to go with whatever comes next.

And the trick to life is simple. Find whatever it is you?re passionate about. If you don?t know, go on a quest to find out. Try everything until you find it.

And you?ll know when you do, because your heart will race faster, your tummy will turn and there will be a zithering sensation through your body that you get from nothing else. It?s the thing that makes you jump out of bed in the morning and cant wait to get started on.

If you don?t have this now, then change. Life is a stunning adventure in which we take the lead. And then ? it?s over.

Take the step, hold on tight, and don?t forget to breathe and enjoy the moment.

Rob Daniel is a children?s author and presenter, who visits schools to run workshops in creative writing, memory and self-esteem. He also runs a creative writing online studio at: http://www.chocmint.com for aspiring writers and illustrators of all ages. Rob is also doing his TEFL course to teach English overseas because it provides him with both his passions. Travelling, and making a positive difference to young people.

Plus Size Women Deserve Sexy Lingerie Too

If you are a plus size woman it does not mean that you should not wear sexy lingerie or mini dresses. On the contrary if you get a plus size bra and panties set you will feel more sexy and first of all more self confident. Being a plus size does not mean being ugly. In fact there are a lot of men who prefer dating a plus size woman rather than a very thin woman. A plus size woman tends to have more voluptuous forms thus a nice sexy piece of lingerie like babydolls mini dress or a lace see-through night gown can make her even sexier and with a lot more sex appeal than a skinny woman with no accentuated shapes.

There are more and more women who realize than being a plus size is not the end of the world. Thus they become more confident in their sex appeal and want to be able to wear the same designs and models of lingerie created by famous brands like Victoria's Secret, Felina, Playtex, Warner's, Wacoal or Jennifer Lopez JLO. Fortunately for them most of the online stores that offer lingerie, offer plus sizes.

Women's lingerie in larger plus sizes can be very hard to find in your local mall. Online lingerie and intimates catalog stores by far have the best selection of sexy styles, colors, and larger sizes. The ultimate goal in purchasing lingerie for yourself is that you feel sexy and comfortable with your beautiful fuller figure. Perhaps that style will be a understated baby doll silk or sheer nightie or maybe a sexy exotic lingerie costume. Learn more about the lingerie styles available in plus sizes for just about any occasion.

Now that you are decided to buy plus size lingerie that will make you feel sexy here are a few things to take into consideration. First of all you can buy it online from the intimacy of your house thus avoiding mean looks or comments. The most important thing is to buy bras and panties that are comfortable for you. You can choose any type of material you want, but there are a few tricks about the color and the design of the products. For example a one piece body will make you look slimmer. The same effect if true if you wear single color lingerie.

If you like bright color or animal print patterns make sure the bra you buy fits you perfectly and it is not tight. The same is valid for any pairs of panties or briefs. A smaller size will only make you look bigger, and a bigger size that you usually wear will have the same effect. If you are not 100 percent decided to buy plus size lingerie here are a few more motives that will convince you. First of all a man has more to see from a plus size woman when she wears sexy lingerie. Also online you can find all kinds of designs that can help you draw attention on the best part of the body.

The best part about lingerie is that no matter what size you need, you only need to buy it for your personal use and for your significant other's eyes. And for sure you know by now that he doesn't care that you are a plus size, so why not offer him some unforgettably sexy moments with you dressed in sexy dresses, babydolls mini outfits and other lingerie.

Jessica and Alan Katz own Lingerie Exposure. They do research for lingerie items that are most in demand and negotiate price so you can get the styles you want at the prices you'll love. Want to see these wonderful deals?

Available at: => http://www.LingerieExposure.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JessicaKatz

By Jessica Katz and Alan Katz